Feb 1st 2022 |
SafeWork Australia releases new infographics on workplace sexual harassment
SafeWork Australia Releases New Infographics on Workplace Sexual Harassment
SafeWork Australia has released two new infographics showing key statistics on workplace sexual harassment and what to do if you are sexually harassed at work. These resources give employers and workers a clear, practical starting point for addressing this ongoing safety issue.
Both infographics aim to help employers understand what sexual harassment is and raise awareness of WHS duties around sexual harassment. They outline practical steps on how to prevent workplace sexual harassment, supporting a stronger safety culture across Australian businesses.
Why These Infographics Matter
In 2018, one in three Australian workers had experienced workplace sexual harassment within the previous five years, up from one in five workers back in 2012, according to data from the Australian Human Rights Commission. This trend highlights why ongoing attention to workplace health and safety is essential for every organisation.
Sexual harassment is recognised as a psychosocial hazard under health and safety legislation, meaning employers carry clear obligations to identify, assess, and manage it as part of their broader risk management process. Addressing psychosocial risks alongside physical safety concerns helps build workplaces where everyone feels respected and protected.
What The Infographics Cover
- Key statistics on the prevalence of workplace sexual harassment across Australian industries
- Practical steps employees can take if they experience sexual harassment at work
- Guidance for employers on their WHS responsibilities relating to harassment prevention
For more information, download SafeWork Australia's new infographic – Workplace sexual harassment statistics – Infographic and the accompanying What to do if you are sexually harassed at work – Infographic.
Supporting a Safer Workplace
Employers looking to strengthen their approach beyond these infographics can draw on additional resources, including SafetyDocs' Workplace Sexual and Gender-Based Harassment Policy and the Workplace Sexual and Gender-Based Harassment Prevention Plan, both designed to help businesses apply consistent, documented safety practices.
Organisations may also benefit from a dedicated Sexual Harassment Policy to formalise reporting procedures and reinforce accountability. Pairing these documents with related guidance, such as our article on how Safe Work Australia creates new materials to mitigate risks of online harassment in the workplace, gives teams a fuller picture of current expectations.
For those managing broader psychosocial concerns, our coverage of the NSW Resources Regulator's new fact sheet on workplace bullying and harassment offers further context, while businesses supporting employee wellbeing may find our Mental Health Policies and Plans a valuable complement to harassment prevention efforts.
Staying informed on updates like these matters — see our summary of the Safe Work Australia yearly report release for a wider view of national workplace safety trends and priorities.
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